Tampa Bay Resident Gets 26-Year Sentence for DUI Offense

A Tampa Bay resident has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after he hit another car while intoxicated. His mistake caused two victims in the other vehicle to die. The 31-year-old, Scott Michael Nicholson, pleaded guilty to his crime of two counts of DUI manslaughter and also admitted to reckless driving with serious bodily injury.

The police claim that Mr. Nicholson was going more than 100 miles per hour when he plowed into another car in August of 2011 and caused the death of 25-year-old Diana Nusspickel and 25-year-old Charles Lutes II. Mr. Nicholson had a BAC level of 0.13 percent, which is twice almost twice the legal limit. Drivers who are caught with a BAC level above 0.08 percent can be charged with a DUI, even if they do not cause a serious accident.

In some cases, a DUI may result in only fines and community service. Yet in other situations, the DUI may end in a tragic and complicated crime, such as DUI manslaughter. Because Mr. Nicholson was being reckless and negligent in such a way that he caused these accidents, he was partially responsible for the deaths. Typically, a person who is given a first DUI conviction can receive a $500 minimum fine, a 50-hour community service sentence, probation for up to one year, and imprisonment for up to 6 months. As well, the offender may lose his or her vehicle and license. Whether you are convicted of a first-time DUI or a DUI manslaughter case, you deserve the best defense possible. That’s why you should contact Thomas & Paulk immediately. These attorneys have over 20 years of combined experience, so they understand the nature of a DUI in detail. Visit their DUI page today to get more information!

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